BOOOM!
We separated, both of us blown backward by the force of our own attack.
I tumbled through the air, as I fought to stabilize myself before hitting the ground.
When I finally landed, my boots carved deep trenches through what was left of the summit, stone melting beneath my feet from the residual energy still pouring off my body.
Across from me, he landed in a crouch, weapon planted firmly in the ground.
Cracks spread outward from where he touched down.
For a second, neither of us moved.
Then he stood slowly, straightening to his full height.
"Now that is more like it." His grin was wider now. Genuine excitement burning in those golden eyes.
He spun his staff once. "But you're still holding back a lot."
My breathing was heavy but controlled. "I can say the same to you."
swoosh!
He vanished again.
